Family of Loyola student gunned down in Rogers Park speaks out; shooter at large: 'This was murder'

CHICAGO (WLS) -- Students at Loyola University are mourning the loss of one of their classmates after a deadly shooting.

Sheridan Gorman, 18, was shot in the head while walking with friends at Tobey Prinz Beach, less than 1 mile from campus, around 1 a.m. Thursday. Her family is speaking out, saying, "this was murder."

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"She was in one of my classes. She sat right in front of me. She was really sweet. It just makes me really sad, because going on, it does make you wonder, like, how safe can you be at night?" said Loyola University freshman Leslie Zamarrripa.

Zamarripa says she does not know how she will handle seeing the empty class seat where Gorman used to sit.

"We just want to have that college experience. And I think that's like, if that's like, going out late, you know, we want to be able to feel safe, regardless if it's late or early in the morning," Zamarrripa said.

Classmates gathered inside the chapel for a private vigil as the bell tolled and shared memories of Gorman on Thursday evening.

Gorman's family described her as "the light of our lives," saying, "she made people feel seen, safe, and loved simply by being who she was."

Students are also demanding more safety protocols moving forward.

"It's really tragic, and it's really unfortunate to see something like this happen so close to home. I would hope to see some more influence and safety for our students in our community and everywhere across Chicago, in general. It's uncomfortable. It's anxiety-invoking," said Loyola graduate Zoe S. "I really don't have any words for it. It's sad."

"You come here for an education. Gun violence should not be something that you should be worried about, or if you should not be worried about walking to the beach and not expect to just get killed like that," Zamarrripa said.

"I was worried that, you know, the person was still out there. Yeah, I didn't think it was possible to randomly go up to someone and do that," said Daniel Pierson.

Police say Gorman was not the intended target, and they are actively searching for the shooter.

Gorman, a New York native, was just months away from finishing her first year of college.

Full statement from Gorman's family:
"Our beloved daughter, Sheridan, was taken from us this morning in Chicago. There is no way to soften this-this was murder. Sheridan was the light of our lives. She made people feel seen, safe, and loved simply by being who she was. She lived her faith with kindness, compassion, and joy, and she loved her family and friends deeply. We trusted that she would be safe. That trust was broken. Someone made a deliberate choice that stole our daughter and forever changed our family. We are demanding answers, and we will not stop until the person responsible is identified and brought to justice. We are deeply grateful for the outpouring of support from the various communities connected to our family. It has carried us through moments we could not endure alone. We take comfort in our faith, but nothing can lessen the devastation of this loss. If you know anything, please come forward. We ask for privacy as we grieve. Sheridan was our light. And she always will be."

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